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Sunday, February 23
 

6:00pm CST

Registration
Sunday February 23, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm CST
Outside Salon 5
Sunday February 23, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm CST
Outside Salon 5

6:30pm CST

Chasing Wonder
Sunday February 23, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm CST
Salon 4
What if curiosity was the key to unlocking creativity, connection and lifelong learning? In this dynamic and captivating keynote, storyteller and magician Taylor Hughes blends his signature mix of humor, magic and heartfelt storytelling to reveal the secrets of sparking wonder in others. 
Through mind-bending illusions and powerful real-world insights, Taylor explores how fostering curiosity can transform the way we teach, lead and inspire the next generation. Gain practical strategies to cultivate engagement, nurture a sense of wonder and encourage students and colleagues alike to embrace learning with excitement and possibility. 
Prepare to be amazed and re-energized as you discover how the magic of wonder can create lasting impact in education and beyond. 

Speakers
avatar for Taylor Hughes
Sunday February 23, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport

7:40pm CST

Embracing Your Unique Perspective
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Explore the power of individuality and how embracing diverse strengths enhances collaboration and innovation. Discuss the importance of recognizing and appreciating unique perspectives within teams and communities. 

Engage: Through a reflective mirror exercise, identify one word that represents what makes you unique. Create a personalized “Strengths Wheel” to map out personal strengths such as creativity, problem-solving and empathy. 

Apply: Reflect on how your unique strengths contribute to both your personal and professional life. Discuss actionable steps you can take to highlight your unique perspective in your work. Gain a renewed sense of self-awareness and strategies to uplift others’ strengths to foster an inclusive, innovative environment. 

Objective: Empower participants to recognize and embrace their unique strengths and perspectives. 

Speakers
JL
avatar for Taylor Hughes
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Keynote Activity

7:40pm CST

Keep a Beginner's Mindset
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 1
Learn: Discover the power of adopting a beginner's mindset—an approach rooted in curiosity, openness and a focus on learning without preconceived notions. Understand how this mindset can improve creativity, problem-solving and adaptability in both personal and professional settings. 

Engage: Participate in an interactive exercise that helps you reconnect with the experience of being a beginner. Through pairing up with fellow educators, you'll revisit simple tasks with a fresh perspective, sharing reflections and insights on what it feels like to approach challenges without expertise. 
Apply: Reflect on how adopting a beginner's mindset can transform your approach to teaching, learning and collaboration. Use prompts to guide your thinking and leave with actionable strategies to cultivate curiosity in your work and personal life. Challenge yourself to practice this mindset by trying something new in the coming week! 

Objective: Encourage participants to adopt curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn as if they were beginners in their field or craft. 

Speakers
avatar for Sherri Kulpa

Sherri Kulpa

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, EducationPlus
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Keynote Activity

7:40pm CST

Practice Presence, Not Perfection
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 3
Learn: Discover how perfectionism can hinder your ability to be present and enjoy the process. Explore the benefits of focusing on the present moment and how releasing the stress of striving for perfection can enhance your overall well-being and effectiveness. 

Engage: Participate in grounding exercises to reset your senses and connect with the present. In the main activity, you’ll engage in an "Imperfect Art Practice"—creating a drawing without worrying about perfection, followed by adding color or details using your non-dominant hand. This creative exercise will challenge you to focus on the journey, not the outcome. 

Apply: Reflect on how letting go of perfection can alter your approach to tasks. Consider how you can apply this mindset in your professional and personal life to reduce stress, increase creativity and cultivate more mindful, enjoyable experiences. Gain practical strategies for embracing imperfection and staying present in the moment. 

Objective: Help participants focus on the present moment through practical, engaging exercises while releasing the stress of striving for perfection. 

Speakers
avatar for John Converse

John Converse

Director of Restorative Practices, EducationPlus
John Converse is a restorative practitioner who brings 19 years of educational experience to life in his interactions with others. He has a set of skills that foster belonging and connection through the art of restorative practices.  He is a certified trainer with the International... Read More →
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Keynote Activity

7:40pm CST

Take What You Do Seriously, But Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 2
Learn: Explore the importance of balancing passion for your work with humor and lightheartedness. Understand how this balance can prevent burnout, reduce stress and foster a more positive, resilient mindset. 
Engage: Participate in interactive and fun activities such as "Would You Rather" and role-playing exercises where you'll exaggerate your professional roles for a good laugh. This playful experience will help break down barriers and demonstrate the value of incorporating humor into daily work life. 

Apply: Reflect on how taking yourself less seriously can improve your well-being and effectiveness in the workplace. Use the prompts to identify areas where humor could enhance your routine and challenge yourself to create or find one humorous moment each day. Gain actionable strategies to infuse more joy into your professional journey. 
 
Objective: Help participants balance passion for their work with humor and lightheartedness to avoid burnout and stress. 

Speakers
EL

Erin Lawson

Education Plus
Erin serves EdPlus member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development programs. Erin has 20 years of education experience in a variety of roles including 6th-grade teacher, district technology coach and Director of Professional and Program... Read More →
Sunday February 23, 2025 7:40pm - 8:30pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Keynote Activity
 
Monday, February 24
 

8:00am CST

Featured Spark with STEMusic!
Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am CST
Salon 4
Roy Moye will kick off the morning spark with an inspiring and entertaining performance from STEMusic, where music and STEM come together to captivate and motivate educators and students alike. See firsthand how creativity can break down barriers to STEM and other learning.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Hughes
avatar for Roy Moye III
Monday February 24, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport

8:30am CST

Lindenwood School’s Back in Session
Monday February 24, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Monday February 24, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

8:40am CST

Digital Heroes: Cisco's GPS for Genius Hour
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 3
Learn: Discover Cisco’s Global Problem Solvers (GPS) program as a powerful framework for Genius Hour, guiding students to tackle real-world issues. Learn how GPS cultivates critical thinking and digital storytelling to address local, national and global challenges.

Engage: Through live polls, collaborative brainstorming and Q&A, actively explore digital storytelling techniques and educational tools to enrich student-led projects. Small group discussions will foster idea-sharing and practical insights.

Apply: Gain ready to implement Genius Hour projects with Cisco's GPS resources, using digital storytelling to empower students to address contemporary challenges with creativity and precision.
Speakers
avatar for Arthur Vambaketes

Arthur Vambaketes

Educator, Ferguson Florissant School District
Arthur Vambaketes has taught American History and Computer Science in the St. Louis region for over 15 years.. He has lived in the St. Louis area for all of his life. Arthur attended St. Mary’s elementary school in Alton and completed his secondary education at Alton High School... Read More →
DECK Digital Heroes pdf
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology   Culture

8:40am CST

Does Credit Recovery need an EduTrain approach?
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:25am CST
Salon A
Learn: Discover how SchoolsPLP's approach to Credit Recovery is different. The "Netflix Meets Education" learning approach engages today's learner.  

Engage: Explore the benefits of engaging a student from an "EduTrain" approach.

Apply: Gain practical strategies for implementing the "EduTrain" approach to ehance learning.

Exhibitors
avatar for SchoolsPLP / Educational Design Solutions

SchoolsPLP / Educational Design Solutions

Aaron Eusterwiemann
SchoolsPLP’s “Netflix Meets Education” learning approach is a game-changing concept that combines Education and Entertainment — or as we call it, Edutain. SchoolsPLP is used for Credit Recovery, Alt Ed, Virtual Instruction, and Adult Learning.
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:25am CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership

8:40am CST

The Wonderful Fitness: How to Become Awestruck & Awesome with Open-Source Learning (1 of 4 in OSL Series)
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon C
Learn: Discover how curiosity, awe and wonder can transform learning experiences and reignite student motivation. Gain insights from two of our keynote speakers on the science behind engagement, including its impact on neurotransmitters and cognitive processing. 

Engage: Join an energizing session that explores strategies to combat cynicism and spark excitement in the classroom. Participate in interactive discussions and activities designed to inspire both educators and students. 

Apply: Gain practical tactics to foster curiosity-driven learning in any subject. Use these strategies to create an environment where “I wonder…” leads to deeper thinking, engagement and lasting learning. 

Attendance of this session will earn you an NFT-backed digital badge; and earn a grand slam badge by attending all 4 sessions.  


Speakers
avatar for Taylor Hughes
avatar for David Preston
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging

8:40am CST

Changing the Future of STEM Education with STEMusic!
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 4
Learn: Join Roy Moye III, aerospace engineer and founder of STEMusic, as he shares his journey through STEM and addresses the need for more Black and Brown representation in STEM fields. Gain insights into the tools and strategies to make STEM engaging and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.

Engage: Experience high-energy, interactive performances featuring live music that demonstrate how STEM concepts can be taught in relatable and memorable ways. Engage with musical examples that bring STEM education to life, showing how creative expression can foster student belonging and excitement in any subject area.

Apply: Gain practical ideas for integrating music and storytelling into lessons, making complex concepts more relatable for students. These strategies can empower the next generation and promote diversity not just in STEM but every subject, bringing fresh energy and cultural relevance into your own classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Roy Moye III
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

8:40am CST

Unlocking Student Engagement with Discovery Education
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 1
Learn: Discover how Discovery Education Experience simplifies lesson planning and enhances student engagement. Explore standards-aligned resources and tools for PreK-12 that support dynamic and interactive teaching.

Engage: Participate in a collaborative challenge to “Escape the Discovery Education Room” with your peers, solving clues while exploring innovative tools and strategies. This interactive activity showcases how Discovery Education can transform the learning experience in your classroom.

Apply: Gain actionable strategies and fresh ideas to integrate Discovery Education resources into your lessons, empowering you to captivate students and streamline planning. Prepare to implement these tools and elevate your teaching!
Speakers
avatar for Discovery
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Culture

8:40am CST

Students Leading Their Learning
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 2
Learn: Discover how to design, implement and teach students to create their own personal learning hubs. These hubs can focus on a single content area or serve as a tool across multiple subjects, empowering students to organize and manage their learning.

Engage: Actively explore the structure and benefits of a learning hub, with dedicated time to develop your own hub template. Collaborate with peers and experiment with different components to create a model tailored to your classroom needs.

Apply: Gain a completed or partially developed hub, along with the knowledge to guide students in building their own. Be equipped to implement this tool in your classroom, fostering student ownership and supporting independent, organized learning.
Speakers
avatar for Marie Schroeder

Marie Schroeder

2nd Grade Teacher, Orchard Farm School District
Join us for a beginners lesson on getting a classroom podcast started. We will go through the basics of using Garage Band, setting up Spodify Creators to setup your podcast, and how to best start the process with your students. Bring your iPad and device so you can build with us and... Read More →
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Technology

8:40am CST

Creating an Effective Assessment System: Utilizing Pear Assessment to Drive Student Outcomes
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon B
Learn: Discover how strong formative assessment cycles contribute to improved student outcomes. Explore the challenges of designing an assessment system that meets the needs of students, teachers and administrators.

Engage: Discover how an effective assessment system can provide insightful data and guide actionable next steps. Learn how different formative assessment types can be used to support learning across various instructional needs.

Apply: Grow your understanding on how Pear Assessment simplifies the process with user-friendly tools, standards-aligned content and meaningful insights. Gain strategies to implement a streamlined assessment system that drives student progress.

Speakers
RH
Monday February 24, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration

9:00am CST

Confluence South City Podcast
Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 2
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Monday February 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

9:30am CST

Snack in exhibitor expo
Monday February 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:10am CST
exhibitor expo
Monday February 24, 2025 9:30am - 10:10am CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Snack

10:00am CST

Ms. Schroeder’s 2nd Grade Podcast
Monday February 24, 2025 10:00am - 12:30pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 3
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Monday February 24, 2025 10:00am - 12:30pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

10:00am CST

Half Coast Podcast Partners
Monday February 24, 2025 10:00am - 3:00pm CST
‎ Half Coast Booth 1
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Monday February 24, 2025 10:00am - 3:00pm CST
‎ Half Coast Booth 1 Marriott St. Louis
  Podcast Row

10:10am CST

Igniting Student Interest in Careers with Discovery Education
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 10:35am CST
Salon 1
Learn: Discover how Discovery Education Experience supports career exploration from kindergarten through high school. Explore engaging tools like career path quizzes and career-focused resource collections to inspire students about their future possibilities.

Engage: Participate in an interactive career path quiz to align your interests with potential careers and discuss ways to implement similar activities with your students. Collaborate with peers to explore curated career-focused resources and strategies for integrating them into your teaching.

Apply: Gain practical methods for sharing career-focused collections within Discovery Education Experience and actionable strategies to guide students on their career journey and spark excitement about their future aspirations.
Speakers
avatar for Discovery
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 10:35am CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Technology   Belonging

10:10am CST

Implementation Science Meets the Science of Reading
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 10:45am CST
Salon A

Learn: Explore how implementation science can be applied to ensure effective execution of evidence-based reading curricula. Learn the principles of implementation science, develop strategies for applying it in your schools and understand how to create a sustainable system for equitable access to literacy instruction.

Engage: Expand your knowledge of the tenents of implementation science. Explore methods for utilizing these tenets and develop an action plan to further success through shared ownership.   
                                                                             
Apply: By leveraging the framework of implementation science, school leaders can better support teachers' ability to effectively implement curriculum and ensure increased equity and access for all learners.


Speakers
avatar for Jennifer D'Aoust

Jennifer D'Aoust

Literacy Advisor, Wilson Language Training
Jennifer D’Aoust, M.Ed., brings over 28 years of education experience to her work as a Literacy Advisor with Wilson Language Training. She has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lynn... Read More →
Exhibitors
avatar for Michael Benge

Michael Benge

Trailblazers in the science of reading since 1985, Wilson Language Training is the most trusted Structured Literacy provider in the market. Our evidence-backed, multi-tiered reading system empowers students to become fluent, independent readers.
Active Implementation pdf
MO Discovery Findings Next Steps Template pdf
MO Discovery Tool Look Fors pdf
IDA InfoMap pdf
MO Conference Implementation Science Meets the Science of Reading pdf
Implementation Science Meets the Science of Reading mp4
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 10:45am CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership

10:10am CST

exhibitor expo open
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
exhibitor expo
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport

10:10am CST

Chasing Wonder
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 4
Learn: Explore how curiosity can become a powerful tool for fostering student engagement and wonder in the classroom. Taylor Hughes reveals the secrets behind using storytelling and magic to inspire a love of learning.

Engage: Witness the impact of magic storytelling as Taylor models techniques educators can use to captivate and motivate students. See firsthand how blending creativity and curiosity can transform the learning experience.

Apply: Gain actionable strategies to integrate storytelling, curiosity and a sense of wonder into your teaching. Learn how to encourage students to explore, question and pursue their passions in meaningful ways.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Hughes
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

10:10am CST

Labor-Based Grading in Secondary Education
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 3
Learn: Explore an introduction to labor-based grading, an innovative assessment model that shifts focus from outcomes to student effort and growth. Discover the educational advantages this approach offers for both students and educators, grounded in research by Joe Feldman, Asao B. Inoue, and Matthew Gomes.

Engage: Participate in online polls and Q&A sessions designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of labor-based grading practices. Engage with peers and ask questions as you explore real-world applications of this grading model.

Apply: Gain actionable knowledge and initial strategies to implement labor-based grading in your own classroom fostering a more equitable and supportive assessment environment for all students.
Speakers
avatar for Brandy Simmons

Brandy Simmons

English Teacher, Dupo High School District 196
Dr. Simmons is a dedicated high school English teacher in Southern Illinois and an adjunct instructor at a community college. She received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2012) and a Master of Arts in Education (2018). Holding a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy with a focus... Read More →
Labor Based Grading pptx
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Wellness

10:10am CST

Is STEM for me?
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon C
Learn: Explore how STEM principles can integrate into all disciplines, including PE, Art, Debate and other specialist areas. Gain insights into how STEM-focused teaching transcends traditional subject boundaries and supports innovative learning across the curriculum.

Engage: Use the chat feature to ask questions, share ideas and engage with both panel experts and fellow educators. During the live Q&A segment, address specific challenges like assessing STEM work and supporting STEM initiatives in non-STEM subjects.

Apply: Gain practical strategies to embed STEM in your teaching, no matter your subject. Learn ways to support STEM initiatives while meeting grading and assessment requirements, ensuring you contribute to a holistic learning environment for all students.
Speakers
AS
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Design

10:10am CST

From One-Size-Fits-All to Learner-Centered: Using Your LMS to Support UDL
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 2
Learn: Discover how to harness the features of your learning management system (LMS) to support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and create more inclusive, accessible learning experiences. Explore insights from a district collaboration with the DESE AEM Cohort, demonstrating how UDL principles were translated into actionable goals to make the LMS a tool for diverse learners.

Engage: Explore district-created UDL resources and experiment with tools in an Open Canvas Course designed around UDL principles. Gain insights into how other districts are addressing barriers to learning and making their LMS more inclusive.

Apply: Put UDL into action by mapping UDL principles to your LMS, adapting shared Canvas examples, and developing personalized implementation goals that make your LMS a dynamic platform for learner-centered education.
Speakers
avatar for April Burton

April Burton

Francis Howell School District
April Burton is the instructional technology content leader and the World Language content leader in the Francis Howell School District.
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology   Design

10:10am CST

Teaching Outside the Box
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:25am CST
Lindbergh
Learn: Explore collaborative strategies for designing highly engaging, educational experiences using breakout boxes. Discover the fundamentals of crafting immersive learning experiences that captivate and challenge students.

Engage: Participate in a hands-on breakout box activity. Share feedback and insights to understand the impact and potential of these interactive learning tools.

Apply: Gain the knowledge and confidence to create your own breakout box activities, whether independently or in collaboration with fellow educators, ready to implement innovative and engaging lessons in your classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Cassi Flores
AS
Monday February 24, 2025 10:10am - 11:25am CST
Lindbergh Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging   Design

10:40am CST

Future-Ready Classrooms: Harnessing AI and Discovery Education to Tailor Learning
Monday February 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:05am CST
Salon 1
Learn: Discover how to combine Discovery Education with free AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to create personalized learning experiences, streamline lesson planning and boost student engagement. Get insights into practical strategies for customizing learning pathways, generating quizzes and designing full learning modules.

Engage: Participate in hands-on demonstrations to see AI tools in action, adapting content and generating lesson ideas tailored to your classroom needs. Share ideas and collaborate with peers to brainstorm innovative ways to integrate AI into your teaching practices.

Apply: Gain actionable strategies and an exclusive preview of Discovery Education’s upcoming AI-powered assessment tools. Whether you’re an AI novice or an experienced user, you’ll be ready to use these tools to save time and elevate your teaching.
Speakers
avatar for Discovery
Monday February 24, 2025 10:40am - 11:05am CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Design   Belonging

11:00am CST

Lunch in exhibitor expo
Monday February 24, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm CST
exhibitor expo
Pick up your lunch in the exhibitor expo anytime between 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Take to a session or go to the Lindbergh Room on the 9th floor for a quiet place to eat. 
Monday February 24, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Lunch

11:10am CST

Get Excited about Overexcitabilities: Harnessing the Energy of the Exceptional Learner
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 3
Learn: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Dabrowski's Overexcitabilities Theory and its relevance to the characteristics of exceptional learners. Delve into each overexcitability, connecting theoretical concepts to real-life experiences.

Engage: Actively discuss overexcitabilities and identify your own, experiencing "OE Breaks" to understand the energy release associated with each type. This session emphasizes experiential learning over passive listening.

Apply: Move beyond theory to practical insights on creating conducive learning environments that support emotional well-being and concentration. Gain strategies for fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation in gifted students, including routines, activities and tools to manage overstimulation and enhance learning experiences for those with overexcitabilities.
Speakers
avatar for Cindy Voller
avatar for Carly Mansfield

Carly Mansfield

Gifted Specialist, Kirkwood Schools
Carly Mansfield is a dedicated Gifted Specialist at the Kirkwood School District, bringing over 20 years of teaching experience to her role. She has taught elementary education, middle school social studies, served as a building STEM coordinator, and now focuses on gifted education... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer Moore
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging   Wellness

11:10am CST

Supercharge Learning with a Professional Mindset
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 2
Learn: Explore key elements of career readiness that have proven successful in diverse educational settings. Identify modules and mini-lessons that connect curriculum to profession-based relevance, tailored to fit your unique classroom context.

Engage: Collaborate with shoulder-partners to practice various strategies, contribute questions that guide the workshop’s direction, and co-create a list of valuable resources and ideas. This collaborative approach will enable you to expand on resources shared while addressing real-world applications.
Speakers
avatar for Drew McAllister
avatar for John Omoresemi
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Culture

11:10am CST

The Sixth Fitness: What's Your Big Question? (2 of 4 in OSL Series)
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Explore how Open-Source Learning not only builds knowledge and skills but also strengthens self-awareness and cognitive capacity. Discover the science behind neuroplasticity and how daily habits can boost brain function and protect against conditions like Alzheimer’s. 

Engage: Participate in practical exercises designed to enhance mindfulness, focus, memory and creativity. Experience firsthand how intentional mental workouts can sharpen your thinking and emotional awareness. 

Apply: Discover techniques you can use daily to build healthier brain habits and improve cognitive performance. Gain actionable strategies to help both you and your students think, feel, and remember more effectively. 

Attendance of this session will earn you an NFT-backed digital badge; and earn a grand slam badge by attending all 4 sessions.  

Speakers
avatar for David Preston
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Technology

11:10am CST

Enhancing Leadership Behaviors and PD via Arts-Based Professional Learning
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon B
Learn: Explore the transformative value of integrating the arts into leadership development and professional learning for principals and district-level administrators. Discover how Arts-Based Professional Learning (ABPL) can enhance your own leadership skills while also benefiting your teachers and school communities.

Engage: Move beyond traditional professional development formats with engaging, hands-on activities that participants can introduce in their own schools. Experience interactive techniques such as sketching, role-playing, and mask-making, designed to enliven professional development and foster creativity.

Apply: Reflect on how to enhance your leadership behaviors through the arts and consider practical ways to incorporate ABPL into your school’s professional development programs. Gain innovative strategies and activities to enrich your leadership approach and inspire your teams.
Speakers
avatar for Daniel Jones
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership

11:10am CST

Procedures that just make sense!
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon C
Learn: Explore the foundational procedures that make daily decision-making more efficient and effective for educators at every stage of their career. Gain insights into how thoughtful routines can support teachers, build consistency and free up cognitive space to focus on what truly matters—student success. Learn strategies to help leaders, mentors and coaches differentiate support for staff and foster a culture of growth, even during challenging times.

Engage: Participants will actively engage through the Chat feature to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences. During the Q&A portion of the panel, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and gain insights directly from experienced leaders and experts. This collaborative approach ensures you leave with practical, personalized strategies.

Apply: Gain a tool kit of actionable ideas to implement in your school immediately. Create a plan for introducing or refining key procedures that resonate with both new and veteran educators. Develop a road map for differentiated professional support that meets your team’s unique needs and keeps everyone motivated through the toughest stretches of the school year.
Speakers
EH

Emily Hilligoss

EducationPlus
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership   Culture   Design

11:10am CST

Reviving Literacy: Innovative Strategies for Elementary Student’s Reading & Writing Success
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon A
Learn: Discover how to incorporate students' personal vocabulary and experiences into literacy instruction, making the learning more meaningful and relevant. Identify various literary structures found across curriculums and learn how to use these structures to enhance students' reading and writing skills. Explore how dictation technology can be leveraged to support struggling readers and writers in capturing their thoughts and ideas.

Engage: Participate in interactive activities that model classroom practices and foster a positive learning environment. Create your own literary examples and experiment with dictation technology on your own device to understand its application for students.

Apply: Gain practical examples of literary structures and techniques for integrating students' personal language into literacy instruction. Reflect on how to use dictation technology to support struggling students and leave with strategies that can be transferred directly into your teaching practice.
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Bunten
Monday February 24, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology   Design

12:00pm CST

Inbox edu
Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4
Help reply to today's trends! Follow this link and complete the form to be a guest on the show!
Speakers
JL
Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

12:00pm CST

Show-Me Education
Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 3:30pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 2
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 3:30pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

12:05pm CST

David Preston Book Signing
Monday February 24, 2025 12:05pm - 12:20pm CST
exhibitor expo
Visit David Preston outside of salon 5 for a book signing!
Speakers
avatar for David Preston
Monday February 24, 2025 12:05pm - 12:20pm CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Book Signing

12:10pm CST

Building Better Humans: The Power of Prosocial Education
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon A
Learn: Discover evidence-based prosocial education strategies that can be used with any age and content area. Examine successful Prosocial and Active Learning (PAL) Classrooms project data to gain insights into enhanced student climate and increased student engagement.

Engage: Discuss experiences and challenges related to student behavior and classroom management to discover new strategies. Analyze case study scenarios of prosocial strategies and discuss the implications and potential applications in your own setting.

Apply: Gain specific, implementable strategies for integrating prosocial elements into your existing curricula and concrete examples of how these principles can be applied in various educational settings.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Foster

Jen Foster

Sr. Program Coordinator, eMINTS National Center
Jen Foster has been harnessing the power of technology to support instruction for more than 20 years. Over the last 12 years, Jen has provided professional development to a wide variety of educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, etc. to enhance and grow their tech... Read More →
avatar for Haylee Anderson
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging   Culture

12:10pm CST

Stories and Magic
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Uncover the fundamentals of storytelling and discover how to captivate your students with engaging narratives. Taylor Hughes will share simple strategies and practical tools to help you craft more compelling stories for the classroom.

Engage: Experience the wonder of magic as Taylor demonstrates strategies you can replicate with your students. Explore how storytelling and magic can combine to create unforgettable learning moments.

Apply: Gain actionable strategies and practical tools to improve your storytelling and be equipped to inspire and connect with your students through compelling narratives and a touch of magic.
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Hughes
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

12:10pm CST

Students and AI—Myths, Misconceptions, and Classroom Realities
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon C
Learn: Examine the evolving role of AI tools in student learning and uncover the myths that often accompany their use. From concerns about cheating to fears that AI stifles creativity, panelists will provide evidence-based insights to challenge these misconceptions and highlight how AI can enhance critical thinking, collaboration and innovation in the classroom.

Engage: Join the conversation through the Chat feature to share your perspectives, ask questions and discuss how students are currently using AI tools. Participate in a dynamic Q&A session where panelists will address concerns and provide examples of responsible and effective student-centered AI integration.

Apply: Explore practical examples of AI tools that students can use to support learning and creativity in real time. Learn how to empower students to use AI responsibly to solve problems, explore new ideas and develop critical skills for the future. Gain strategies for creating classroom policies and activities that encourage ethical and innovative use of AI.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Weatherby

Lindsey Weatherby

Owner, Ctrl + Alt + Teach Professional Development
Lindsey Weatherby is a dedicated special education teacher with a passion for creating engaging, well-developed, and effective lesson plans that support all learners. With expertise in fostering critical thinking, she designs instructional activities that challenge students to infer... Read More →
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Integration

12:10pm CST

Engaging Early Learners
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon B
Learn: Examine what effective learning looks like for young students and how it aligns with their developmental needs. Explore how technology can be purposefully integrated to enhance learning experiences.

Engage: Participate in a discussion on the importance of using technology in ways that feel intentional, natural and age-appropriate for early learners. Share ideas and strategies with peers to meet the diverse abilities of young students.

Apply: Discover how iPad can empower your youngest learners to communicate, create and learn at their own pace. Gain practical approaches to incorporate technology into your classroom in meaningful ways.
Speakers
A
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Technology

12:10pm CST

Breaking Down the Myths and Misconceptions of Restorative Practice in the School Setting
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 1
Learn: Gain a clear understanding of restorative practices in education by exploring their purpose, principles and potential impact. Panelists will share what inspired them to embrace this approach and debunk common myths and misconceptions that may create resistance in schools.

Engage: Participate in dynamic discussions by using the chat feature to share your thoughts, ask questions and exchange ideas with experts and attendees. During the dedicated Q&A portion, ask specific questions about implementation and overcoming challenges.

Apply: Gain actionable insights to practical steps for introducing restorative practices in your school, strategies for supporting teachers resistant to this approach and evidence-based methods for tracking the impact of restorative practices. Discover real-life success stories to inspire your journey toward a restorative school environment.

Speakers
avatar for John Converse

John Converse

Director of Restorative Practices, EducationPlus
John Converse is a restorative practitioner who brings 19 years of educational experience to life in his interactions with others. He has a set of skills that foster belonging and connection through the art of restorative practices.  He is a certified trainer with the International... Read More →
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership

12:10pm CST

Rounding Revelations: Navigating Instructional Rounds
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 2
Learn: Delve into the practice of Instructional Rounding as implemented in the Mehlville and Affton school districts, and discover its positive impacts in special education. Discover how Instructional Rounding can foster a culture of continuous learning, strengthen educator capacity and promote a community of personalized professional growth.

Engage: Participate in hands-on activities, partner and group discussions, and interactive Q&A session. Through these collaborative experiences, gain deeper insight into how Instructional Rounding supports educator and student development.

Apply: Reflect on the impacts of Instructional Rounding and begin planning how to incorporate this practice in your own setting. Gain actionable ideas for implementing Instructional Rounding to cultivate a supportive and growth-oriented culture within your educational community.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Ferguson
avatar for Missy Roux
avatar for Lindsay McCracken
innovate 25 Instructional Rounding.pptx pdf
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership   Culture

12:10pm CST

Perceptions and Influences: A Study on U.S. High School English Teachers' Attitude Towards ChatGPT Integration in Instructional Practices
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 3
Learn: Explore the findings of our nationwide survey involving 119 high school English teachers regarding their attitudes toward ChatGPT integration in instructional practices. Gain insights into ethical concerns, common usage patterns and current perceptions of ChatGPT in the classroom.

Engage: Learn how English teachers are utilizing ChatGPT for personal planning and classroom instruction as you are guided through the process of creating a ChatGPT account. Learn how to differentiate lesson plans for various learning levels, develop new lesson plans and streamline administrative tasks. Depending on compurter availability, work independently or interact with demonstrations.

Apply: Get hands-on experience with ChatGPT as you explore its capabilities using your own classroom materials. Gain practical strategies for integrating ChatGPT into your teaching, along with take-home materials such as printouts and access to our presentation to support future application.
Speakers
avatar for Brandy Simmons

Brandy Simmons

English Teacher, Dupo High School District 196
Dr. Simmons is a dedicated high school English teacher in Southern Illinois and an adjunct instructor at a community college. She received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2012) and a Master of Arts in Education (2018). Holding a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy with a focus... Read More →
avatar for Cara Bertelmann

Cara Bertelmann

Secondary English Teacher
Dr. Cara Bertelmann holds a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2015), a Master's in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University (2018), and a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy with a specialization in English Language from... Read More →
Bertelmann Simmons innovate template 25 pptx
Monday February 24, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology

1:00pm CST

Taylor Hughes Book Signing
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:20pm CST
exhibitor expo
Visit Taylor Hughes' book signing outside of salon 5! 
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Hughes
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:20pm CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Book Signing

1:00pm CST

exhibitor expo open
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:15pm CST
exhibitor expo
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 3:15pm CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport

1:30pm CST

The Sixth Fitness: Exploring the Big Questions of Open-Source Learning for Fun & Profit & Solving Every Problem Ever
Monday February 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Salon 4
If you have ever sat in a class or a faculty meeting and asked yourself, "When are we going to learn?" the answer is NOW and this keynote is for YOU. Open-Source Learning is an educational philosophy that celebrates the humane, optimizes the digital, and connects both the people and the dots in service to preparing for an increasingly complex and uncertain future. Learn how Open-Source Learning accounts for every great teaching practice in history and invites you to develop your own. Discover the transformations that take place when students become learners and pursue interdisciplinary goals through unique personal explorations that go beyond traditional classroom experiences. Dive into the five fitnesses of Open-Source Learning, and then you'll unlock the Sixth Fitness to validate and launch your own action plan. Transform the way you view your life and your teaching – and the work starts now, with a deceptively simple question: What do you want to learn?
Speakers
avatar for David Preston
Monday February 24, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology   Leadership   Culture

2:30pm CST

What’s New in Education from Apple
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon B
Learn: Discover how great teaching combined with effective technology creates impactful learning experiences. Explore Apple’s latest products, tools and programs designed specifically for education.

Engage: In this interactive session, explore how Apple’s innovative solutions enhance productivity and collaboration in the classroom. Connect with peers and experts to discuss practical applications of these tools in education.

Apply: Gain actionable insights to integrate Apple technology into your teaching practice. Discover strategies to empower educators and students with tools that drive engagement and success.
Speakers
A
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Technology

2:30pm CST

Code.org Programs for Your School
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon A
Learn: Discover the expansive, free curriculum offered by Code.org, created to make computer science education accessible in every classroom. Attendees will explore the K-12 resources that align with state standards, focusing on foundational digital skills and computer science principles.

Engage: Through interactive discussion, participants will examine how Code.org’s curriculum integrates with their own teaching goals and classroom settings. We’ll also dive into available support, including teacher training funded through DESE, ensuring a fully supported rollout of these resources.

Apply: By the end of this session, participants will be prepared to bring Code.org's curriculum into their schools. They will leave with actionable steps and knowledge on accessing the resources, securing teacher training, and engaging students in computer science.
Speakers
LT
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Technology   Belonging

2:30pm CST

AI Tools for Teachers: Boosting Student Engagement and Learning
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 2
Learn: Discover the latest AI resources and how to leverage them to streamline daily tasks, enhance instructional practices and engage students meaningfully, prioritizing effective learning outcomes.

Engage: Actively explore and utilize AI tools to design a classroom-ready lesson that incorporates practical applications, enabling students to engage actively with an AI platform.

Apply: Gain a ready-to-implement lesson plan that integrates AI, enhancing student engagement and facilitating deeper learning experiences in the classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Weatherby

Lindsey Weatherby

Owner, Ctrl + Alt + Teach Professional Development
Lindsey Weatherby is a dedicated special education teacher with a passion for creating engaging, well-developed, and effective lesson plans that support all learners. With expertise in fostering critical thinking, she designs instructional activities that challenge students to infer... Read More →
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology

2:30pm CST

Creating Songs for STEM Success with STEMusic!
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Discover how music can enhance STEM education! Explore the power of creating songs as a tool to reinforce key concepts, making learning both memorable and engaging.

Engage: Dive into a hands-on STEM activity, then work in groups to create a simple, catchy song about the STEM principles you explored. Through collaboration, experience the excitement of combining learning with creativity and discover firsthand how music can deepen understanding and retention in any subject area.

Apply: Each group will showcase their song teaching a STEM concept, modeling how this approach can spark interest and aid retention for students. Gain a memorable strategy to energize learning in your classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Roy Moye III
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology   Culture   Belonging

2:30pm CST

Feeding the Learning Brain
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 3
Learn: Discover how teachers can leverage their unique position to positively influence students' brain development. This session will explore research in mind, brain, and education, providing practical strategies to enhance learning, memory, critical thinking, and confidence in the classroom.

Engage: Participants will be actively involved through movement, curiosity, humor, play, music, and interactive discussions, making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.

Apply: Walk away with a wealth of immediately applicable, low-cost strategies to nurture every student's brain and engage their interest daily. Understanding how the brain learns will transform your teaching practice and enrich your own learning experience as well.
Speakers
avatar for Denise Ford

Denise Ford

Gifted Teacher, Kirkwood School District
Passionate about Gifted Education, innovation, creativity, and learning.
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Wellness   Design

3:15pm CST

Happy Hour
Monday February 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CST
exhibitor expo
Connect and collaborate with your colleagues over free appetizers, beer, wine and cocktails. Play exhibitor Bingo for chances to win QuikTrip, VIsa and Amazon gift cards. 
Monday February 24, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Happy Hour
 
Tuesday, February 25
 

8:00am CST

The Sixth Fitness: No Matter What
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am CST
Salon 4
Way to get out of bed this morning! You don't have to like the task to crush it. Discover the neuroscience behind motivation and how activating your brain's anterior midcingulate cortex can fuel willpower, tenacity and a lifelong passion for learning. Explore when positive psychology works and when hating the game, and even hating the players, can transform our learning perspectives and help us overcome barriers to achievement. Cultivate a winning mindset and lead your learning community from the front by understanding real triumph. Turn today's challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities by fostering resilience and a love for discovery that will last a lifetime.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Boyce

Stephanie Boyce

Chief Educational Officer, The FRESH Classroom
Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce is an Edupreneur driven by her passion to reshape the educational landscape by making culturally responsive teaching a way of life.For the last decade, Boyce has focused her studies and work on matters of racial justice and equity for historically marginalized... Read More →
avatar for David Preston
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:00am - 8:30am CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport

8:30am CST

St. Louis Podcast
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
‎ Half Coast Booth 1
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
‎ Half Coast Booth 1 Marriott St. Louis
  Podcast Row

8:30am CST

Lindenwood School’s Back in Session
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

8:30am CST

Show-Me Education
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 3
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

8:30am CST

Valley Park Voices
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 2
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:30am - 12:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

8:40am CST

David Preston Book Signing
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:00am CST
exhibitor expo
Visit David Preston outside of salon 2 for a book signing!
Speakers
avatar for David Preston
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:00am CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Book Signing

8:40am CST

Family Engagement for Growth and Belonging
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 3
Learn: Discover the impact of family and community involvement on student success and explore various strategies for fostering meaningful connections. Explore effective, actionable methods for welcoming parents and community members into schools in a way that is both frequent and productive.

Engage: Participate in activities designed to map out your current family and community engagement efforts. Identify what is working well, uncover areas needing improvement and collaborate with colleagues to share insights and ideas. Use planning tools and resources to develop ideas that build upon your school’s existing practices.

Apply: Gain a framework to create or enhance a family engagement plan tailored to the unique needs of your school and a clear path for strengthening partnerships that support growth, belonging and the overall success of your students.
Speakers
avatar for Jess Payne
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging   Culture

8:40am CST

Passports, Playlists and Passions... Personalized Learning Projects
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 2
Learn: Explore three innovative personalized learning projects designed to foster connection and belonging within your classroom community. Discover the importance of these projects in promoting empathy and engagement among students.

Engage: Review templates developed from real classroom experiences, including creation tools and grading rubrics. "Stop and jot" your ideas and then collaborate with peers from similar grade levels or subject areas (e.g., high school social studies, high school ELA, or third grade) to brainstorm how to adapt these projects for your own classrooms.

Apply: Customize the provided templates to suit your specific content area and identify how these projects can integrate into your curriculum, ultimately creating a classroom environment that nurtures belonging and empathy while actively engaging students in meaningful learning experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Lori Rejent

Lori Rejent

Unified Arts Curriculum Coordinator, Music Specialist, Brentwood School District
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:05am CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Belonging

8:40am CST

Maker Strategies to Energize Instruction
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:25am CST
Salon A
Learn: Through practical examples, learn pragmatic strategies and powerful principles that will empower you to shift your students from technology consumers to technology creators – all in the context of a standards-based curriculum.

Engage: Create a project that you can take with you. Brainstorm strategies for upgrading a content topic by incorporating a maker project.

Apply: Gain concrete activity suggestions that you can modify to your context and broader inspiration that you can use to make projects of your own.

Exhibitors
avatar for Challenger Learning Center - St. Louis

Challenger Learning Center - St. Louis

Erin Tyree
The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis’ mission is to inspire the future generation of innovators through immersive STEM experiences. We accomplish this through simulated space missions in our realistic spacecraft environment, science and engineering explorations delivered across... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:25am CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

8:40am CST

Unpacking the F.R.E.S.H. Approach to Culturally-Responsive, Standards-Based Instruction
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 4
Learn: Take a deep dive into the principles behind culturally responsive, standards-based (CRSB) instruction and how to integrate into the F.R.E.S.H. framework. Explore the “why” and “what” of CRSB instruction and understand its crucial role in fostering student success in diverse classrooms.

Engage: Through collaborative exercises and targeted discussions, analyze real-world scenarios that illustrate the impact of culturally responsive strategies. Engage in dialogue with peers, share insights and experiences related to implementing CRSB instruction enhancing your understanding of its practical applications.

Apply: Gain actionable ideas for integrating culturally responsive elements into your lesson planning. With guided discussions and collaborative activities, develop a clear understanding of how to identify and apply strategies that align with academic standards, making learning more meaningful for students from all backgrounds.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Boyce

Stephanie Boyce

Chief Educational Officer, The FRESH Classroom
Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce is an Edupreneur driven by her passion to reshape the educational landscape by making culturally responsive teaching a way of life.For the last decade, Boyce has focused her studies and work on matters of racial justice and equity for historically marginalized... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging   Design   Culture

8:40am CST

Science Education is Evolving
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon C
Learn: Examine how recent shifts in science education practices are changing teachers' approach to their instruction. Learn from science teaching experts on how new initiatives are building on what we already know about best practice and the impact of these initiatives. 

Engage: Connect with the conversation through questions and sharing personal comments using the chat feature. Dig deeper into the topics by using the Q&A segment to ask about topics such as 3-Dimensional teaching, Sense-Making and using science phenomena. 

Apply: Discover an updated view on modern science teaching practices.  Gain an informed understanding of how science education will continue to evolve in the next several years and build new perspectives on how to think about science ed and where to find resources that support the work. 

Speakers
AS
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

8:40am CST

Task Talk
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 1
Learn: Discover quick and effective strategies for designing tasks that boost student engagement. Explore practical approaches that can be applied across various subject areas.

Engage: Take part in a hands-on, station rotation discovery model. This interactive setup will guide participants in creating a high-quality task tailored to their subject area and instructional goals.

Apply: Gain ready-to-use sample tasks that can be implemented immediately in the classroom, ensuring an impactful takeaway for engaging students.
Speakers
avatar for Robyn Haug

Robyn Haug

Director of Assessment and Professional Learning, School District of Clayton
Robyn Haug is a veteran classroom teacher with over twenty years of experience in K-12 classrooms. After stepping out of the classroom for four years to work as a secondary instructional coach on aligning grading and professional learning practices across a building and a district... Read More →
Task Talk Innovate 25.pptx pdf
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

8:40am CST

Elevate Your Teaching with AR app Reality Composer
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon B
Learn: Transform your classroom with Augmented Reality! During this session we will introduce the power of AR in education. Learn to use Apple's Reality Composer to create immersive learning experiences.

Engage: Explore the pedagogical benefits of AR, from boosting engagement to fostering deeper understanding.

Apply: We'll provide hands-on Reality Composer instruction and share practical AR examples across subjects, empowering you to integrate AR into your curriculum and elevate your teaching.

Speakers
A
Tuesday February 25, 2025 8:40am - 9:30am CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Technology

9:10am CST

Embracing the Mess: Transforming Classroom Chaos into Student Engagement
Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:10am - 9:35am CST
Salon 2
Learn: Discover how creative play can boost student engagement and recall by embracing messy, hands-on learning experiences. Explore effective classroom management strategies to maintain order while fostering a productive and stimulating environment.

Engage: Participate in discussions and activities that demonstrate how messy projects encourage deeper student reflection. Discover how these approaches inspire students to talk, write and think critically about their learning experiences.

Apply: Gain practical methods to integrate messy, creative projects across core subjects like science, history and language arts. Gain tools to connect art and creativity to academic goals, reinforcing the educational value of hands-on, interdisciplinary learning.
Speakers
avatar for Bryson Reid

Bryson Reid

Premier Charter School
Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:10am - 9:35am CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Culture

9:30am CST

Snack in exhibitor expo
Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:30am - 10:10am CST
exhibitor expo
Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:30am - 10:10am CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Snack

9:35am CST

Stephanie Boyce Book Signing
Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:35am - 9:55am CST
exhibitor expo
Visit Stephanie Boyce in the foyer between salons 1 - 5 for a book signing! 
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Boyce

Stephanie Boyce

Chief Educational Officer, The FRESH Classroom
Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce is an Edupreneur driven by her passion to reshape the educational landscape by making culturally responsive teaching a way of life.For the last decade, Boyce has focused her studies and work on matters of racial justice and equity for historically marginalized... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 9:35am - 9:55am CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Book Signing

10:00am CST

Inside Voice Podcast
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 12:45pm CST
‎ Half Coast Booth 1
Some of your favorite podcasters will be recording from #innovate25 on the main level. Stop by to share what you’re learning at the conference, and you might be featured on your favorite podcast about your #innovate25 experience.
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 12:45pm CST
‎ Half Coast Booth 1 Marriott St. Louis
  Podcast Row

10:10am CST

Adapting Innovations to All Learners
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 10:35am CST
Salon 3
Learn: Discover strategies for engaging SPED students through innovative methods and technology. Explore approaches to making lessons accessible and engaging for all learners, focusing on inclusivity and adaptability.

Engage: Participate in hands-on adaptive innovation lessons that demonstrate how to effectively engage diverse learners. Through these interactive examples, you’ll gain insight into techniques that make technology and innovation accessible to SPED students.

Apply: Gain strategies to transform your own lessons for SPED students, enabling you to integrate innovative tools and approaches that meet the needs of all learners in your classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Tackett

Melissa Tackett

Innovations Technology Teacher, Orchard Farm
I teach curious K-4 STEM leaders in Orchard Farm School District in a special area class called Innovations. My class fosters creative thinking, utilizes technology, and helps students discover their potential to question, test, and design. I am passionate about inclusive STEM opportunities... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 10:35am CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Belonging

10:10am CST

exhibitor expo open
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
exhibitor expo
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport

10:10am CST

Responding to Inappropriate Behavior: Proactive Strategies and Effective Responses
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 1
Learn: Explore proactive approaches to prevent inappropriate behaviors before they start by understanding the root causes and triggers. Panelists will share insights into the function of behavior and how applying function-based thinking can lead to more effective and compassionate responses.

Engage: Engage in live discussions through the chat feature, sharing ideas and questions with the experts and fellow participants. Take part in a dynamic Q&A session where you can ask specific questions about strategies for addressing unexpected behaviors and building systems that support positive outcomes.

Apply: Gain practical strategies and tools for responding to unexpected student behaviors with empathy and structure. Discover actionable ideas for creating supportive systems in your classroom or school that mitigate challenging behaviors and promote a positive learning environment.

Speakers
LS

Lindsay Schmidt

EducationPlus
Lindsay serves districts by helping to develop behavioral systems of support, facilitate professional development for beginning teachers and is an ISTE Certified Educator and Trainer. Lindsay has worked in education for over 17 years as a Classroom Teacher, Consultant and Professional... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging

10:10am CST

Feeding the Learning Brain
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 2
Learn: Discover how teachers can leverage their unique position to positively influence students' brain development. This session will explore research in mind, brain, and education, providing practical strategies to enhance learning, memory, critical thinking, and confidence in the classroom.

Engage: Participants will be actively involved through movement, curiosity, humor, play, music, and interactive discussions, making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.

Apply: Walk away with a wealth of immediately applicable, low-cost strategies to nurture every student's brain and engage their interest daily. Understanding how the brain learns will transform your teaching practice and enrich your own learning experience as well.
Speakers
avatar for Denise Ford

Denise Ford

Gifted Teacher, Kirkwood School District
Passionate about Gifted Education, innovation, creativity, and learning.
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Wellness

10:10am CST

Best Practices for Integrating and Enhancing Creativity in the Classroom
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon B
Learn: Understand why creativity is essential for problem-solving, analytical thinking and collaboration in today’s classrooms. Explore the challenges of defining and fostering creativity as part of the learning process.

Engage: Join an interactive discussion on best practices for integrating creativity into your school’s curriculum. Share ideas and examples with peers on how iPad can support innovative teaching and learning strategies.

Apply: Gain practical tips for embedding creativity into lessons across various subject areas. Use iPad tools to empower students to think critically, collaborate effectively and express their ideas in unique ways.
Speakers
A
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Design

10:10am CST

Code.org Programs for Your School
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon A
Learn: Discover the expansive, free curriculum offered by Code.org, created to make computer science education accessible in every classroom. Attendees will explore the K-12 resources that align with state standards, focusing on foundational digital skills and computer science principles.

Engage: Through interactive discussion, participants will examine how Code.org’s curriculum integrates with their own teaching goals and classroom settings. We’ll also dive into available support, including teacher training funded through DESE, ensuring a fully supported rollout of these resources.

Apply: By the end of this session, participants will be prepared to bring Code.org's curriculum into their schools. They will leave with actionable steps and knowledge on accessing the resources, securing teacher training, and engaging students in computer science.
Speakers
LT
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Technology   Belonging

10:10am CST

Embracing AI in Education—Challenges, Myths, and Opportunities
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon C
Learn: Uncover the transformative potential of AI in education, from reshaping traditional teaching methods to supporting differentiated instruction. Panel experts will share perspectives on high-impact AI tools, practical applications and how to discern value amidst an ever-growing landscape of AI resources.

Engage: Participate in the discussion by using the Chat feature to ask questions, share insights and connect with both panelists and peers. A dedicated Q&A segment will allow you to explore specific questions, including how AI can enhance your role and support your teaching goals.

Apply: Gain actionable knowledge of current high-impact AI tools and examples of their use in educational settings. Learn strategies for leveraging AI to meet diverse student needs and enrich learning outcomes in ways that align with your teaching style and classroom objectives.
Speakers
EL

Erin Lawson

Education Plus
Erin serves EdPlus member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development programs. Erin has 20 years of education experience in a variety of roles including 6th-grade teacher, district technology coach and Director of Professional and Program... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Culture   Leadership

10:10am CST

Physical Fitness: How to Train your Body with Open-Source Learning (3 of 4 in OSL Series)
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 4
Learn: Discover how Open-Source Learning not only builds knowledge and skills but also fosters self-awareness and personal growth. Understand why learning is an endurance sport that requires physical and mental stamina. 

Engage: Explore simple, no-cost practices—including exercise, rest and nutrition—that boost cognitive and physical energy for learning. Participate in hands-on activities designed to fuel both your brain and body. 

Apply: Practice techniques during the session that you can immediately use to enhance focus and energy. Gain actionable strategies to share with your students and classroom community for sustained learning success. 

Attendance of this session will earn you an NFT-backed digital badge; and earn a grand slam badge by attending all 4 sessions.  

Speakers
avatar for David Preston
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:10am - 11:00am CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology

11:00am CST

Lunch in exhibitor expo
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm CST
exhibitor expo
Pick up your lunch in the exhibitor expo anytime between 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Take to a session or go to the Lindbergh Room on the 9th floor for a quiet place to eat. 
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Lunch

11:10am CST

Connecting Your Content with Design Thinking
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 11:35am CST
Salon 3
Learn: Explore the five stages of design thinking—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test—to understand how they can be applied to encourage creativity, collaboration and problem-solving in K-12 education. Gain insights into how design thinking connects with your content to create deeper, more engaging learning experiences.

Engage: Participate in interactive discussions and activities that model the design thinking process. Collaborate with peers to brainstorm ways to incorporate design thinking into your classroom, while sharing ideas and challenges with fellow educators.

Apply: Develop a plan to integrate design thinking into your curriculum. Gain actionable strategies, resources, and a clear vision to make this innovative process a cornerstone of your teaching practice.


Speakers
avatar for Kara Sanders

Kara Sanders

My name is Kara Sanders and I am the makerspace teacher at Gotsch Intermediate School in the Affton School District. I started with a simple classroom makerspace in my 5th grade classroom. Fast forward a few years and I am the makerspace teacher for the building. I have been in this... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 11:35am CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

11:10am CST

Meeting All Students Where They Are
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 1
Learn: Explore the evolving role of differentiation in today’s classrooms and the essential practices that allow educators to meet the unique needs of every student. Panelists will discuss how to identify where students are in their learning journey, common roadblocks teachers face with differentiation, and practical remedies to overcome these challenges. 

Engage: Use the chat feature to share your ideas and experiences with differentiation. During the Q&A portion, ask the panelists specific questions about strategies, resources, and data tools to support personalized learning in your district or classroom. 

Apply: Gain actionable strategies to overcome common differentiation challenges; methods to effectively collect and utilize data to understand student needs; resources and tools to help craft differentiated lessons; and insights on how to create a classroom culture that values and supports individualized learning paths. Leave inspired and equipped to better meet your students where they are, ensuring every learner can grow and succeed. 

Speakers
RT
avatar for Tanya Garcia

Tanya Garcia

St. Louis RPDC Educational Consultant, EducationPlus
Tanya Garcia serves our member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development programs and working with area districts to provide supports for effective teaching and learning. Throughout her 15 years in education, Tanya has served in various roles... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging

11:10am CST

Bringing F.R.E.S.H. to Life – Designing Culturally-Responsive, Standards-Based Lessons
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Explore how to apply the F.R.E.S.H. approach in real classroom scenarios. Discover methods to develop Fun, Relevant, Engaging, Standards-Based and Higher Order lessons that elevate student learning and engagement.

Engage: Participate in interactive exercises designed to craft your own F.R.E.S.H. activities while collaborating with peers. By sharing examples from the field and engaging in group discussions, gain valuable insights into creating impactful lesson plans that resonate with diverse learners.

Apply: Gain a designed personalized F.R.E.S.H. activity tailored to your curriculum in addition to the skills to integrate the F.R.E.S.H. principles to implement inclusive and engaging lessons in your classroom enhancing the educational experience for all students.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Boyce

Stephanie Boyce

Chief Educational Officer, The FRESH Classroom
Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce is an Edupreneur driven by her passion to reshape the educational landscape by making culturally responsive teaching a way of life.For the last decade, Boyce has focused her studies and work on matters of racial justice and equity for historically marginalized... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Culture   Belonging   Design

11:10am CST

Reviving Literacy: Innovative Strategies for Elementary Student’s Reading & Writing Success
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon A
Learn: Discover how to incorporate students' personal vocabulary and experiences into literacy instruction, making the learning more meaningful and relevant. Identify various literary structures found across curriculums and learn how to use these structures to enhance students' reading and writing skills. Explore how dictation technology can be leveraged to support struggling readers and writers in capturing their thoughts and ideas.

Engage: Participate in interactive activities that model classroom practices and foster a positive learning environment. Create your own literary examples and experiment with dictation technology on your own device to understand its application for students.

Apply: Gain practical examples of literary structures and techniques for integrating students' personal language into literacy instruction. Reflect on how to use dictation technology to support struggling students and leave with strategies that can be transferred directly into your teaching practice.
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Bunten
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Technology

11:10am CST

A Healthy Balance: Tech vs. Tradition
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon B
Learn: Explore how to achieve a healthier balance between technology and traditional skills in your classroom. This session addresses concerns about excessive screen time and the impact on essential soft skills, drawing from discussions held within my school district.

Engage: We will cover diverse topics, including virtual reality, traditional geography skills, handwriting versus speech-to-text, library resources, and the importance of face-to-face communication. Attendees will have opportunities for Q&A throughout the presentation to foster engagement.

Apply: Participants will receive a T-chart to assess their current balance between technology and traditional skills, along with actionable strategies for reinforcing soft skills in their classrooms. Leave with practical ideas to enhance your curriculum and promote student success in both realms.
Speakers
avatar for Sophie Chambers

Sophie Chambers

Gifted Instructor, Chillicothe R-II School District
STEAM Club Facilitator; Innovation & Learning Coach for PK-5th Grades; Gifted Instructor for K-8th Grades; METC 2018 Spotlight Educator; Presenter at METC (2 yrs), ISTE (2 yrs), MOREnet (1 yr), MSBA (1 yr), District PD (5 yrs); Chillicothe EdCamp Co-Founder; Grant Recipient from MPER... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Integration   Wellness   Culture

11:10am CST

Let's Talk about Building an Effective School Culture
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon C
Learn: Explore the key elements that define a positive school culture and climate, as shared by experienced panelists from diverse educational backgrounds. Gain a deeper understanding of how school culture influences student success, teacher satisfaction and community engagement.

Engage: Participate by using the chat feature to share ideas, ask questions and engage in live discussions with experts and fellow attendees. During the Q&A portion, take the opportunity to ask specific questions about challenges or strategies related to fostering a thriving school culture.

Apply: Gain actionable insights and strategies to overcome common misconceptions about building a strong school culture, address resistance to change when implementing improvements, effectively use data points to assess and measure school culture, and learn how to foster collaboration among leaders, teachers and parents to create a unified, supportive environment.

Speakers
avatar for John Converse

John Converse

Director of Restorative Practices, EducationPlus
John Converse is a restorative practitioner who brings 19 years of educational experience to life in his interactions with others. He has a set of skills that foster belonging and connection through the art of restorative practices.  He is a certified trainer with the International... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership

11:10am CST

MTSS with the Head and the Heart
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 2
Learn: Discover how the SSD MTSS Facilitator Team has effectively embedded cognitive, affective and tangible aspects of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) into their coaching and learning practices. Gain insights into how to support leaders in fostering a holistic approach to MTSS implementation.

Engage: Engage in exploration of the crosswalk matrices, MTSS playbook and other resources, plus, have meaningful conversations with peers and facilitators to explore practical ways to incorporate effective tips, strategies and practices into your own work. Collaborative dialogue will enhance understanding and inspire actionable ideas.

Apply: Gain information and resources that best fit contextually into your school systems to make data based decisions around equitably supporting all students within their settings ensuring that both cognitive and emotional aspects are considered in their MTSS systems.
Speakers
avatar for Breeya Perry
avatar for Trish Diebold
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:00pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership   Culture

11:10am CST

Grow stamina and creativity using the design process/makerspace 
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:35pm CST
Salon 3
Learn: Discover the five stages of the design thinking process and their relevance to fostering creativity, problem-solving and collaboration in K-12 education. Explore real-world examples of how design thinking can transform learning experiences and inspire student engagement across various subjects and grade levels.

Engage: Participate in hands-on activities that will guide you through the design thinking process, from identifying problems to brainstorming solutions and creating prototypes. Work collaboratively with peers to experience how the design process builds student stamina, critical thinking and innovation.

Apply: Create a personalized plan to integrate design thinking into your existing curriculum. Gain practical tools, strategies and resources to turn your classroom into a dynamic makerspace where students can explore, create and solve problems in meaningful ways.


Speakers
avatar for Kara Sanders

Kara Sanders

My name is Kara Sanders and I am the makerspace teacher at Gotsch Intermediate School in the Affton School District. I started with a simple classroom makerspace in my 5th grade classroom. Fast forward a few years and I am the makerspace teacher for the building. I have been in this... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:10am - 12:35pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

11:40am CST

Integrating Design Thinking is Possible
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:05pm CST
Salon 3
Learn: Discover how the five stages of design thinking—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test—can transform learning experiences in the classroom. Gain insights into how this process fosters creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Engage: Participate in an interactive classroom example, where you'll work with fellow educators to develop innovative solutions to a real-world problem using the design thinking framework. Collaborate, share ideas and explore strategies to make this approach meaningful for your students.

Apply: Discover actionable strategies and inspiration to integrate design thinking into your teaching practice. Gain the confidence and tools to design engaging, student-centered learning experiences that empower and excite your learners.


Speakers
avatar for Kara Sanders

Kara Sanders

My name is Kara Sanders and I am the makerspace teacher at Gotsch Intermediate School in the Affton School District. I started with a simple classroom makerspace in my 5th grade classroom. Fast forward a few years and I am the makerspace teacher for the building. I have been in this... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 11:40am - 12:05pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

12:00pm CST

Inbox edu
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4
Help reply to today's trends! Follow this link and complete the form to be a guest on the show!
Speakers
JL
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:00pm - 3:00pm CST
‎ Podcast Row Booth 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Podcast Row

12:10pm CST

Launching Your Design Thinking or Makerspace
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 12:35pm CST
Salon 3

Learn: Explore the fundamentals of design thinking, including the five stages—Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype and Test. Understand how this process promotes creativity, collaboration and problem-solving to address real-world challenges in the classroom.

Engage: Participate in interactive discussions and activities designed to generate practical ideas for integrating design thinking into your classroom. Share experiences and brainstorm solutions with fellow educators as you explore ways to guide students through innovative problem-solving.

Apply: Discover actionable strategies and resources to launch or enhance your design thinking or makerspace journey. Gain confidence to create dynamic, engaging learning experiences that inspire students to think like innovators.

Speakers
avatar for Kara Sanders

Kara Sanders

My name is Kara Sanders and I am the makerspace teacher at Gotsch Intermediate School in the Affton School District. I started with a simple classroom makerspace in my 5th grade classroom. Fast forward a few years and I am the makerspace teacher for the building. I have been in this... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 12:35pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

12:10pm CST

Building Better Humans: The Power of Prosocial Education
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon A
Learn: Discover evidence-based prosocial education strategies that can be used with any age and content area. Examine successful Prosocial and Active Learning (PAL) Classrooms project data to gain insights into enhanced student climate and increased student engagement.

Engage: Discuss experiences and challenges related to student behavior and classroom management to discover new strategies. Analyze case study scenarios of prosocial strategies and discuss the implications and potential applications in your own setting.

Apply: Gain specific, implementable strategies for integrating prosocial elements into your existing curricula and concrete examples of how these principles can be applied in various educational settings.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Foster

Jen Foster

Sr. Program Coordinator, eMINTS National Center
Jen Foster has been harnessing the power of technology to support instruction for more than 20 years. Over the last 12 years, Jen has provided professional development to a wide variety of educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, etc. to enhance and grow their tech... Read More →
avatar for Haylee Anderson
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon A Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Culture   Belonging

12:10pm CST

Building Thinking Classrooms: Transforming Math Education Through Collaboration and Understanding
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon C
Learn: Gain insights from experienced educators as they share their journey of implementing the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) framework in math education. Panelists will discuss what initially inspired them to adopt BTC, the challenges they faced and the transformative impact it has had on their teaching and student learning. This session will explore key aspects of BTC, including the mindset shifts, classroom management strategies and relationship-building techniques that contribute to its success.

Engage: Throughout the session, participants will use the chat feature to ask questions, share reflections and exchange ideas with panelists and fellow attendees. A live Q&A segment will provide an opportunity to delve deeper into topics like overcoming initial hurdles, refining practices and fostering collaborative learning in math classrooms.

Apply: Gain practical insights and advice to start your own BTC journey or enhance your current practices. Whether you're a BTC novice or looking to refine your approach, you'll gain actionable strategies for creating a thinking-centered environment that engages students, builds problem-solving skills, and transforms your math instruction.
Speakers
TL
BV
OS
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon C Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

12:10pm CST

Unlocking Student Engagement with Discovery Education
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 1
Learn: Discover how Discovery Education Experience simplifies lesson planning and enhances student engagement. Explore standards-aligned resources and tools for PreK-12 that support dynamic and interactive teaching.

Engage: Participate in a collaborative challenge to “Escape the Discovery Education Room” with your peers, solving clues while exploring innovative tools and strategies. This interactive activity showcases how Discovery Education can transform the learning experience in your classroom.

Apply: Gain actionable strategies and fresh ideas to integrate Discovery Education resources into your lessons, empowering you to captivate students and streamline planning. Prepare to implement these tools and elevate your teaching!
Speakers
avatar for Discovery
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Culture

12:10pm CST

Video Lesson Teaching
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
‎ Video On Demand
The On Demand session linked below will cover:

Learn: Explore how to effectively use video to record and teach lesson demonstrations that can be uploaded to a dedicated YouTube channel. Discover how recorded lessons can capture students' attention through step-by-step modeling for projects, skill development or desired behaviors.

Engage: Utilize project materials, acquired skills and a cell phone camera to practice teaching and demonstrating a lesson that will be uploaded to your YouTube channel created for this purpose.

Apply: Gain skills to launch your own YouTube video lesson demonstration to support students who may struggle, provide resources for absent learners and maximize preparation time during lessons, especially when teaching multiple classes back-to-back.

Video Links:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Speakers
avatar for VIELIA M JEFFRIES-EVANS
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
‎ Video On Demand Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Technology

12:10pm CST

Pear Deck - Time Saving Techniques for Building Rigorous Engagement
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon B
Learn: Discover how engagement, differentiation and rigor work together to drive student success. Explore the challenges teachers face in balancing these pillars while managing their workload.

Engage: Learn how Pear Deck supports teachers in creating high-quality learning experiences that keep students actively involved. Explore real examples of how technology can simplify lesson planning and instruction.

Apply: Discover practical strategies for using Pear Deck to enhance engagement, personalize learning and maintain rigor without adding extra stress. Gain tools to create dynamic, student-centered classrooms with ease.


Speakers
RH
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology

12:10pm CST

Civic & Technological Fitness: How to Build and Steward Learning Networks Online and IRL with Open-Source Learning (4 of 4 in OSL Series)
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Discover how Open-Source Learning fosters both skill development and self-awareness, helping us grow individually and collectively. Explore how neural, social, and online networks amplify learning and shape our understanding of the world. 

Engage: Join a discussion on how collaboration accelerates learning, from building stronger social connections to leveraging online communities. Examine how culture, government systems, and AI influence information processing and knowledge sharing. 

Apply: Gain practical strategies to nurture learning networks that empower both you and your students. Walk away with tools to foster connection, collaboration, and deeper learning in your classroom and beyond. 

Attendance of this session will earn you an NFT-backed digital badge; and earn a grand slam badge by attending all 4 sessions.  

Speakers
avatar for David Preston
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:10pm - 1:00pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology   Leadership

1:00pm CST

exhibitor expo open
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
exhibitor expo
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CST
exhibitor expo Marriott St. Louis Airport

1:30pm CST

Making AI Your F.R.E.S.H. Classroom Assistant
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Discover a 3-step strategy for leveraging AI to enhance student engagement with culturally responsive content. Explore how to utilize AI tools for creating station activities, weekly lessons and customized resources that address diverse student interests and needs.

Engage: Experience a demonstration of the AI strategy and practice crafting classroom activities using AI tools. Engage in collaborative discussions to share ideas and insights with fellow educators.

Apply: Be equipped to apply the 3-step strategy to streamline lesson planning, increase efficiency and create F.R.E.S.H. lessons and activities that are both relevant and engaging for all students.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Boyce

Stephanie Boyce

Chief Educational Officer, The FRESH Classroom
Dr. Stephanie R. Boyce is an Edupreneur driven by her passion to reshape the educational landscape by making culturally responsive teaching a way of life.For the last decade, Boyce has focused her studies and work on matters of racial justice and equity for historically marginalized... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology   Leadership   Culture

2:30pm CST

Day in the Life of a Discovery Education Teacher
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 2:55pm CST
Salon 1
Learn: Explore how Discovery Education Experience can enhance every part of your school day, from sparking curiosity with immersive videos and virtual field trips to providing engaging, standards-aligned content for lesson planning.

Engage: Bring your laptop and dive into hands-on activities that demonstrate how to use Discovery Education for transitions, recess or downtime. Collaborate with fellow educators to uncover creative ways to integrate these tools seamlessly into your daily routines.

Apply: Gain strategies to captivate students and extend learning beyond the classroom by sharing resources with students and families. Whether you’re new or experienced with Discovery Education, you’ll gain practical tools to elevate your teaching and engage your students.
Speakers
avatar for Discovery
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 2:55pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design   Technology

2:30pm CST

Is AI Transformational?
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 2
Learn: Discover the latest AI tools and their potential applications in the classroom. Discover cutting-edge technology and showcase how AI can create new learning opportunities, sparking innovation for both educators and students.

Engage: Actively experiment with AI tools while engaging in thought-provoking discussions on the broader impact of AI on education. Collaborate with peers to explore AI's role in transforming the learning experience.

Apply: Gain practical ideas and strategies for leveraging AI in your classroom. Be prepared to create transformative learning experiences that harness AI's potential to engage and inspire students.
Speakers
avatar for Bob Deneau

Bob Deneau

Chief Information Officer, Rockwood School District
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Leadership   Technology

2:30pm CST

AI Tools with Students
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Delve into the latest and most effective AI for all students but especially those who require additional support.

Engage: Take part in a hands-on, station rotation discovery model to create high-quality task(s) tailored to your subject area and instructional goals.

Apply: Gain new found insights that are ready to be applied into your classroom fostering an open-minded approach to integrating AI responsibly.
Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Weatherby

Lindsey Weatherby

Owner, Ctrl + Alt + Teach Professional Development
Lindsey Weatherby is a dedicated special education teacher with a passion for creating engaging, well-developed, and effective lesson plans that support all learners. With expertise in fostering critical thinking, she designs instructional activities that challenge students to infer... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology

2:30pm CST

Moving the Needle - AI and the Attainability of Instructional Best Practices
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon B
Learn: Explore the key pedagogical practices—differentiation, high-quality instructional materials and personalized learning—that have the greatest impact on student outcomes. Understand why, despite years of training, these strategies often fall short in real classrooms.

Engage: Discuss the biggest barrier to implementing best practices... time. Examine how the expansion of generative AI presents new opportunities to streamline instruction and support educators at scale.

Apply: Discover how AI-driven tools can help bridge the gap between theory and practice, making effective teaching strategies more accessible. Gain actionable insights on integrating AI to enhance instruction and improve student outcomes.

Speakers
RH
avatar for Tom Ashley
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:20pm CST
Salon B Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Technology

3:00pm CST

The Perfect Pairing: SOS Strategies & Discovery Education Resources to Boost Engagement and Critical Thinking
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:25pm CST
Salon 1
Learn: Explore Discovery Education’s SOS Instructional Strategies and how they can transform classroom engagement. Discover how these strategies promote critical thinking, collaboration and literacy skills across all subjects using Discovery Education’s rich content library.

Engage: Experience hands-on demonstrations of SOS strategies, paired with Discovery Education resources, to see how they foster active learning. Collaborate with fellow educators to brainstorm creative ways to implement these strategies in your own classroom.

Apply: Gain ready-to-use tool kit of strategies that inspire collaboration, critical thinking and deeper engagement with content. Empower your students to participate actively and meaningfully across all subject areas.
Speakers
avatar for Discovery
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 3:25pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport

3:30pm CST

Cognitive Strategies to Increase Student Achievement
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 3
Learn: Explore how cognitive engagement shifts the learning responsibility from teacher to student, fostering deeper understanding and retention. Understand the impact of active learning on student achievement and classroom energy.

Engage: Experience a variety of high-impact, low-prep strategies that can be applied across all content areas. Participate in hands-on activities that model these techniques in action.

Apply: Gain a toolkit of practical strategies to implement immediately, ensuring your students take an active role in their learning while you reclaim your energy and enthusiasm for teaching!

Speakers
avatar for Tanya Garcia

Tanya Garcia

St. Louis RPDC Educational Consultant, EducationPlus
Tanya Garcia serves our member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development programs and working with area districts to provide supports for effective teaching and learning. Throughout her 15 years in education, Tanya has served in various roles... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 3 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging

3:30pm CST

Maximizing Language Learning with AI: From Enhancement to Transformation
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 1
Learn: Explore how AI tools can enhance language instruction for multilingual learners by generating instructional resources aligned with the WIDA Standards Framework. Gain insights into effective AI-generated prompts that produce examples, practice items and mentor texts to support language development.

Engage: Participate in hands-on demonstrations of AI-powered strategies that scaffold assignments and assessments, ensuring alignment with students' English proficiency levels. Collaborate with peers to explore AI’s potential in differentiating instruction for multilingual learners.

Apply: Gain practical AI-driven techniques and ready-to-use strategies for integrating AI into your language instruction. Empower your students with customized learning experiences that foster language growth and engagement.

Speakers
RG

Rob Greenhaw

MELL Instructional Consultant, Education Plus
Rob serves EdPlus members by providing consultation to schools that are working to implement high-quality, comprehensive and collaborative educational programs for English Learners. Rob also conducts professional development workshops that focus on providing practical strategies to... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 1 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Belonging

3:30pm CST

#IYKYK: Supporting Students Who Already Know What You're Teaching
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 2
Learn: Explore the challenge of engaging students who have already mastered the content. Discover research-based strategies for repurposing materials and designing enrichment opportunities that promote deeper learning.

Engage: Participate in discussions and activities that focus on offering student choice, fostering autonomy and sustaining motivation for advanced learners. Share experiences and collaborate on practical solutions with fellow educators.

Apply: Gain concrete techniques to differentiate instruction, create meaningful extension activities and ensure all students remain challenged and engaged in your classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Sherri Kulpa

Sherri Kulpa

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, EducationPlus
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 2 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design

3:30pm CST

Making Change Less Messy: Using the Change Matrix for Big and Small Shifts
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 4
Learn: Explore the Change Matrix as a simple yet powerful tool to help navigate transitions at any level. Understand how the Change Matrix can simplify both big and small shifts in schools while reducing stress and providing a smoother transition.

Engage: Participate in interactive discussions and activities that break down the Change Matrix into practical steps. Collaborate with peers to troubleshoot common challenges and brainstorm ways to make change feel more manageable.

Apply: Gain concrete strategies to implement the Change Matrix in your school or classroom. Whether you're launching a major project or making small instructional shifts, you’ll have the tools to navigate change with confidence and clarity.

Speakers
EL

Erin Lawson

Education Plus
Erin serves EdPlus member districts by developing tailored learning opportunities and professional development programs. Erin has 20 years of education experience in a variety of roles including 6th-grade teacher, district technology coach and Director of Professional and Program... Read More →
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm CST
Salon 4 Marriott St. Louis Airport
  Design
 
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